AJ Smith-Shawver DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Atlanta Braves pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver tossed five 2/3 innings of three-run ball in his first start at Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday. While Smith-Shawver took the loss in this contest, he flashed high strikeout upside as he struck out eight batters. The top prospect in Atlanta was able to earn a spot on the Opening Day roster with Spencer Strider (elbow) sidelined. However, with Strider back in action, Smith-Shawver was sent back to Triple-A to further his development. During his stint in the majors this season, he logged 13 2/3 innings to the tune of a 4.61 ERA with a 1.98 WHIP. He held a 17:8 K:BB and allowed two home runs. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Smith-Shawver's production at Triple-A as he could be in the mix to replace Bryce Elder in the major league rotation.

The Atlanta Braves have optioned right-handed pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett. In a corresponding move, the Braves promoted right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen. Smith-Shawver was able to win a spot in the starting rotation during camp, but will head back to Triple-A to continue his development. Through his first three starts of the campaign, Smith-Shawver has logged 13 2/3 innings and posted a 4.61 ERA with a 1.98 WHIP. He has held an 8:17 BB:K with two home runs allowed. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Bryce Elder to remain in the rotation as the No. 5 option. This transaction also opens a spot for Spencer Strider (elbow), who is set to make his season debut next week. Smith-Shawver is only worth stashing in deeper NL-only formats, as he could be in the mix to return to the big leagues if Elder were to struggle.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver will begin the season in the rotation, according to Justin Toscano. Smith-Shawver out-performed Ian Anderson this spring, who was recently traded to the Angels. He has struck out 20 batters while walking five in 16 innings this spring and is looking to translate the success he has seen as a prospect into production at the major league level. He encountered some road bumps last season, but he posted a 2.76 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 31.3% strikeout rate in the minors in 2023. Still only 22 years old, Smith-Shawver possesses long-term upside, but may only spend a brief time in the rotation to begin the year with Spencer Strider set to be ready at some point in April.